George  Washington  Flowers 
Memorial  Collection 


DUKE  UNIVERSITY  LIBRARY 


ESTABLISHED  BY  THE 
FAMILY  OF 
COLONEL  FLOWERS 


PROCEEDINGS 

OF 

A  Baptist  Ministerial  Conference, 

AND 

ORGANIZATION   OF  THE 

NORTH  CAROLINA  BAPTIST  MINISTERIAL  UNION, 

HELD  IN  THE 

CITY  OF  GOLDSBORO,  N.  C, 
April  9,  10  and  11,  1885. 


REV.  A.  SHEPARD    President. 

REV.  C.  S.  BROWN     Secretary. 


RALEIGH  : 

EDWARDS,  BROUGHTON  &  CO.,   STEAM  PRINTERS  AND  BINDERS. 
I885. 


OFPICEES. 


President. 

A.  SHEPARD  Henderson,  N.  C. 


Tice- Presidents. 

J.  Perry    ...Wake  Baptist  Association. 

0.  Bullock         .  .  Shiloh 

Thos.  Parker   .  _  _  Kenansville 

Wm.   REID  Roanoke 

C.  B  GIBBS          .   Neuse  River 

James  Williams  Bear  Creek 

O.  B.  Alston  Reedy  Creek 

Hardy  Moore  New  Bern 

Chas.  Smith    Old  Eastern 

J.  H.  Dunston   New  Hope 

J.  A.  FULLER  Cedar  Grove 

D.  W.  Montgomery  ....   W.  B.  Miss.  Union. 


Recording  Secretary: 

C.  S.  Brown     Raleigh,  N.  C. 


Corresponding  Secretary. 

JAS.  M.  YOUNG  Henderson,  N.  C. 


Treasurer. 

N.  F.  Roberts   __  ...Raleigh,  N.  C. 


Executive  Committee. 

R.  I.  Walden,  Chairman  Garysburg,  N.  C. 

C.  S.  Brown  . ...  Raleigh, 

S.  Fulwider  .....   ..   Raleigh, 

J.  A.  Fuller   .    Raleigh, 

T.  B.  Edwards   . .   Raleigh, 

P.  F.  MALOY  Raleigh, 

C.Johnson       .  Raleigh, 


Committee  on  By-Laws. 

Jas.  M.  YOUNG    Henderson,  N.  C. 

S.  G.  NEWSOME    Weldon, 

C.  S.  Brown   ...  Raleigh, 


PREFACE. 


On  the  second  day  of  January,  1885,  several  ministers 
met  in  the  City  of  Raleigh  to  consider  the  condition  and 
work  of  the  Baptist  denomination  of  North  Carolina.  After 
hearing  the  views  of  the  different  brethren,  it  was  unani- 
mously agreed  that  a  circular  letter  be  published  and  sent 
to  all  the  ministers  of  the  State,  requesting  them  to 
assemble  in  a  mass  meeting  at  Goldsboro,  on  Friday,  April 
10,  1885,  in  order  to  devise  a  plan  to  unite  the  ministry  and 
further  the  sacred  principles  of  the  church. 

At  the  time  designated,  the  largest  number  of  ministers, 
from  nearly  all  sections  of  the  State,  we  have  ever  seen,  as- 
sembled at  the  First  Baptist  church  of  Goldsboro. 

After  considering  duly  the  growth  of  the  denomination 
for  the  last  twenty  years,  the  needs  of  the  different  fields 
and  the  great  lack  of  unity  of  action  among  the  ministers, 
a  general  organization  was  formed  to  be  known  as  "The 
North  Carolina  Baptist  Ministerial  Union,"  whose  object  is 
clearly  set  forth  in  the  Constitution.  The  need  of  such  an 
organization  is  apparent  to  all.  The  Baptist  denomination 
of  North  Carolina  numbers  more  than  800  churches,  whose 
membership  is  about  100,000.  What  an  army  of  the  Lord! 
In  order  to  unite  this  great  host,  the  ministers  must  under- 
stand each  other  and  labor  together  in  the  cause  of  the 
Master.  It  is  said  by  all  who  were  present  that  this  was 
one  of  the  most  harmonious  meetings  ever  witnessed  in  this 
State.  All  went  away  filled  with  the  spirit  of  work.  Doubt- 
less this  meeting  marks  an  important  era  in  the  history  of 
the  colored  Baptists  of  North  Carolina. 


ROLL  OF  MEMBERS. 


Rev.  W.  Reid,Murfreesboro,  N.  C. 

"  A.  Cooper,  Windsor, 

"  A.  Shepard,  Henderson, 

"  H.  Moore,  Newbern, 

44  E.  B.  Blake,  Clayton, 

44  A.  N.  Buck,  Halifax, 

44  J.  T.  Scott,  Newbern, 

41  C.  Johnson,  Raleigh, 

11  T.  B.  Edwards,  " 

44  N.  F.  Roberts,  11 

44  P.  F.  Maloy, 

44  Samuel  Ful wider  " 

41  W.  A.  Green, 

44  C.  S.  Brown,  " 

44  B.K.Sykes, Scotl'd  Neck, 

41  C.  B.  Gibbs,  Enfield, 

44  A.  Boone,  Jackson, 

44  N.  Ward,  Scotl'd  Neck, 

"  J.  H.  Carey,  Newbern, 

44  J.  M.  Young,  Henderson, 

44  J.  A.  Fuller,  Oxford, 

"  O.  B.  Alston,  Rocky  Mt., 

44  S.  Mi  Jones,  Kinston, 

"  H.  L.  Barco,  Weldon, 

"  J.  Sills,  Battleboro, 

44  H.  M.  Tupper,  Raleigh, 

44  A.  B.  Vincent,  Raleigh, 

44  A  Parker,  Potecasi, 

44  W.  R.  Shaw,  Weldon, 

44  Bryant  Patterson,  Tay- 
lor's Bridge, 

"  P.P.Ward,  Scotl'd  Neck, 

44  Sandy  Fenner,  Halifax, 

44  B.  Gardner,  Goldsboro, 


Rev.  W.  Bunting  Goldsboro,  N.  C. 

'4  Jas.  Williams,       4  4        4  4 

I     44  G.L.  Stiths, Scotl'd  Neck,  44 

44  E.  H.  Lipscombe,  Dallas,  44 

44  R.  I.  Walden.Garysburg,  44 

41  J.  Perry,  Battle's  Bridge,  44 

I     44  W.  H.  Shaw,  Littleton,  44 

44  Thos.  Parker,  Warsaw,  44 

44  A.  Williams,  Goldsboro,  44 

|     44  J.  W.  Dew, 

44  J.H.Dunston.Morrisville  44 

44  J.  F.  Hill,  Wilmington,  44 

44  L.T.Christmas. Newbern, 44 

44  G.  W.  Harris,  Neuse,  44 

44  O.  Bullock,  Manson,  44 

14  S.  H.  Witherspoon, 

Raleigh,  44 

44  B.  Jordan,  Goldsboro,  44 

44  A.  Shepard,  Henderson,  44 

k4  P.  P.  Waugh,  Scotland 

•     Neck,  44 

44  C.  Smith,  Scotl'd  Neck.  44 

44  W.  R.  Mason,  Boyton,  Va. 

44  Jas.  Hunt,  Oxford,       N.  C. 

44  S.  J.  Newsome,  Weldon,  44 

44  Thos.  Collins,  Winton,  44 

44  Geo.  Nicholson,  Baums,  44 

44  W.  H.  Moore,  Newbern,  44 

44  L.  P.  Martin,         "  44 

44  W.  Bunting,  Goldsboro,  44 

44  E.  E.  Smith, 

44  W.  A.  Green,  Raleigh,  44 

'4  M.  Salter,  Raleigh, 


HONORARY  MEMBERS. 


Deacon  R.  Pope,  James  City,  N.C. 

44  T.  Bryant,  Battleboro,  44 

44  Sam.  Cooper,  44 
L.  P.  Daniels,  Grahams,      S.  C. 
P.  H.  Hilton,  Farmville,  Va. 


M.  T.  Pope,  Rich  Square,    N.  C. 

H.  H.  Faulkener,  Littleton,  44 

I.  W.  Holden,  Louisburg,  44 
Prof.  H.  C.  Crosby,  Raleigh,  44 


PROCEEDINGS. 


FIRST  DAY— Afternoon  Session. 

Goldsboro,  N.  C,  April  9th,  1885. 

4:30  p.  M. 

Pursuant  to  a  call  issued  by  the  request  and  authority  of  a 
number  of  the  leading  Baptist  ministers  assembled  in  the 
City  of  Raleigh,  January — ,  1885,  a  large  delegation  of 
Baptist  ministers  and  friends  of  the  church  collected  in  the 
City  of  Goldsboro,  April  9th.  1885,  to  discuss  questions 
pertaining  to  the  welfare  of  the  denomination,  and  to 
devise  plans  that  would  more  firmly  unite  the  ministry,  and 
that  would  enable  the  church  to  utilize  more  successfully 
her  forces.  Although  the  brethren  convened  a  few  hours 
prior  to  the  designated  time,  yet  for  legitimate  reasons,  it 
was  deemed  best  by  all  present  to  commence  immediately 
the  transaction  of  business. 

Rev.  C.  Johnson,  Chairman  of  the  Committee  of  Arrange- 
ments, called  the  hous^  to  order,  and  briefly  stated  the  pur- 
pose of  the  meeting.  He  said  that  the  ministry  is  not 
united,  and  on  this  account  the  churches  languish.  To 
cement  the  clergy,  and  to  adopt  plans  for  the  betterment 
of  the  churches,  we  have  been  called  together. 

Rev.  N.  F.  Roberts  was  invited  to  conduct  devotional 
exercises.  After  a  portion  of  Scripture  had  been  read  and 
a  hymn  had  been  sung,  Rev.  J.  A.  Fuller  invoked  Divine 
help  and  guidance. 

Rev.  A.  Shepard,  Sunday  School  Missionary  of  the  State, 
was  chosen  temporary  Chairman,  and  Rev.  C.  S.  Brown, 
Secretary. 

Permanent  organization  immediately  followed. 

Rev.  E.  H.  Lipscornbe  moved  that  the  temporary  officers 
be  made  permanent.    Motion  prevailed. 

Rev.  A.  Williams  was  elected  Treasurer. 

A  motion  specifying  the  work  and  purpose  of  this  min- 
isterial meeting  was  presented  by  Rev.  R.  I.  Walden.  (See 
resolution,  No.  1.)  Adopted. 

Rev.  C.  Johnson  moved  that  the  brethren  who  had  been 


P42803 


6 


chosen  to  introduce  and  lead  off  in  the  discussion  of  the 
various  topics  to  come  before  this  Conference,  be  allowed 
ten  minutes  to  speak  on  said  subjoct,  the  time  to  be  pro- 
longed if  the  members  so  desire.     Motion  passed. 

Rev.  R.  I.  VValden  moved  that  ail  others  desiring  to 
express  their  views  on  the  same  subjects  be  allowed  five 
minutes  each.  Adopted. 

By  motion  of  Prof.  H.  C.  Crosby,  all  visiting  brethren, 
who  were  not  ministers,  were  granted  the  privilege  of  par- 
ticipating in  our  deliberations,  restricted  only  from  voting. 

Rev.  C.  S.  Brown  was  appointed  to  preach  the  Introduc- 
tory Sermon  at  8  o'clock  p.  m. 

Intermission  was  given. 

Benediction  by  Rev.  A.  Shepard. 

Night. 

At  an  early  hour  the  church  was  filled  with  an  attentive 
audience,  two-thirds  of  which  were  ministers  and  members 
of  the  Conference. 

Services  began  promptly  at  8  o'clock  with  hymn,  "Let 
Zion's  watchmen  all  awake."  Romans  ioth  chapter  was 
read,  after  which  prayer  was  offered  by  Rev.  H.  M.  Tupper. 
Hymn,  '*  Go  preach  My  Gospel,  saith  the  Lord,"  was  sung 
with  deep  feeling. 

Rev.  C.  S.  Brown  selected  his  text  from  the  ioth  chap- 
ter of  Romans  and  the  15th  verse,  "  And  how  can  they 
preach  except  they  be  sent?"  He  spoke  of  those  qualifica- 
tions requisite  to  make  a  man  a  successful  preacher. 

The  following  were  the  leading  divisions  of  his  dis- 
course, viz  : 

"  To  be  a  successful  minister  (1)  the  man  must  be  thor- 
oughly religious,  (2)  Divinely  commissioned,  (3)  intellectu- 
ally qualified. 

After  the  sermon,  Rev.  N.  F.  Roberts  offered  prayer. 
A  collection  was  taken,  amounting  to  $3.08. 
Benediction  by  Rev.  H.  M.  Tupper. 


SECOND  DAY— Morning  Session. 

At  9:30  a.  m.,  Rev.  A.  Shepard  called  the  meeting  to 
order.  Rev.  S.  M.  Jones  conducted  devotional  exercises. 
He  read  hymn,  "Did  Christ  o'er  sinners  weep?";  also 
23d  Psalm  and  invoked  Divine  favor. 


7 


Rev.  R.  I.  Walden  offered  resolution  No.  2,  and 
stated  the  reasons  why  he  offered  said  resolution:  He 
regarded  the  present  state  of  the  ministry  as  lamenta- 
ble, and  thought  that  immediate  action  was  demanded  by 
the  Great  Head  of  the  church.  The  following  brethren 
endorsed  the  resolution  by  stirring  speehes,  viz:  Prof.  H. 
C.  Crosby,  Jas.  M.  Young,  Rev.  I\L  F.  Roberts,  E.  B.  Blake, 
J.  H.  Carey.    The  motion  was  unanimously  adopted. 

Rev.  C.  S.  Brown  moved  that  the  Chair  be  empowered 
to  appoint  a  committee  of  five  on  Constitution. 

The  following  persons  were  appointed  :  Revs.  R.  I.  Wal- 
den, E.  H.  Lipscombe,  J.  Perry,  N.  F.  Roberts,  W.  H. 
Shaw. 

Rev.  H.  M.  Tupper  was  requested  to  address  the  assem- 
bly while  the  committee  was  preparing  a  report.  Rev.  H.  M. 
Tupper  expressed  his  delight  to  meet  so  many  of  the  lead- 
ing brethren  of  the  State,  who,  prompted  by  the  Holy 
Spirit  and  love  for  the  church,  have  met  to  engage  in  business 
so  essential  to  the  welfare  of  the  denomination.  He  com- 
mended the  object  of  the  meeting  and  hoped  great  good 
might  result  from  it.  He  congratulated  the  brethren  in 
their  efforts  to  restore  union  and  to  establish  an  organiza- 
tion to  assist  disabled  ministers.  His  address  was  instruc- 
tive, impressive,  and  full  of  encouragement.  A  vote  of 
thanks  was  tendered  him. 

Rev.  H.  L.  Barco  moved  that  a  roll  of  the  members  of 
the  Conference  be  made.  (See  roll).  Also  those  who  brought 
the  one  dollar  to  defray  the  expenses  of  the  meeting  were 
requested  to  pay  it  over  to  the  Secretary.  After  the 
enrollment  of  members,  the  following  subject  was  dis- 
cussed: "  How  can  we  sustain  a  better  church  discipline  ?  " 

Rev.  H.  ML  Tupper  gave  some  valuable  information  con- 
cerning the  Gospel  view  of  discipline.  It  was  his  opinion 
that,  in  a  great  many  cases,  disciplined  persons  were 
restored  to  the  church  too  early:  "A  person  suspended 
from  the  church  for  misdemeanor  ought  not  to  be  restored 
until  sufficient  evidence  of  true  repentance  is  shown." 

Prof.  H.  C.  Crosby  thought  that  the  lack  of  discipline 
was  due  to  the  negligence  of  the  minister  and  not  to  the 
failure  on  the  part  of  the  churches. 

It  was  asked,  If  a  person  is  suspended  from  the  church 
and  seeks  forgiveness  and  admission  on  the  subsequent 
meeting,  ought  the  church  to  restore  such  person? 

Prof.  E.  H.  Lipscombe  said  :  "  There  is  difference  between 
discipline  and  forgiveness.    It  may  be  our  painful  duty 


• 


8 


to  withdraw  the  hand  of  fellowship  from  an  erring  brother; 
yet,  we  are  to  forgive  him  of  his  crime  ;  we  must  not  cher- 
ish malice,  but  forgive  him  if  he  seeks  forgiveness  seventy 
times  a  day.  Although  we  forgive,  yet  justice  forbids  us 
to  restore  the  brother  until  a  change  for  the  better  is 
noticed  in  his  life. 

Rev.  Ceasar  Johnson  requested  Rev.  H.  M.  Tupper  to 
give  his  opinion  concerning  ministerial  counsels. 

Brother  Tupper  said  :  "  Ministerial  boards,  unless  judi- 
ciously managed,  are  injurious*  and  objectionable.  A 
ministerial  board  has  no  right  to  repudiate  church  sov- 
ereignty and  attempt  to  settle  church  difficulties.  Boards 
cannot  legislate  for  the  church,  but  they  can  advise.  Neither 
can  any  board  legally  ordain  an  applicant  for  the  ministry 
unless  the  church,  to  which  said  candidate  belongs,  dele- 
gates the  power,  and  no  board  has  the  authority  to  revoke 
an  ordination.  The  sole  power  is  invested  in  the  church. 
When  a  church  expels  a  minister,  his  ordination  is  nullified  ; 
his  commission  revoked,  and  he  has  no  longer  the  right  to 
preach." 

Amount  of  money  received  during  the  morning  session, 
$1075. 

Recess  was  given.    Closed  with  doxology. 

Afternoon  Session. 

At  2:30  p.  m.,  Rev.  A.  Shepard  announced  that  Rev.  J. 
Perry  would  conduct  the  opening  service.  Hymn,  "  O  for' 
a  closer  walk  with  God,"  was  read  and  sung;  133d  Psalm 
was  read  and  prayer  was  offered  by  Rev.  A.  Buck. 

The  minutes  of  the  forenoon  meeting  were  approved. 

The  committee  on  Constitution  was  called  on  to  report. 
Rev.  E.  H.  Lipscombe  read  the  report.  (See  Constitution). 
The  Constitution  was  adopted  by  sections.  After  the 
adoption  of  the  Constitution,  the  brethren  came  forward  and 
signed  it.    (See  roll). 

Rev.  T.  B.  Edwards  moved  that  the  Chair  appoint  a 
committee  of  five  on  Officers.    Motion  prevailed. 

Committee. — Rev.  J.  A.  Fuller,  Rev.  C.  B.  Gibbs,  Rev. 
Wm.  Reid,  Rev.  N.  F.  Roberts,  Rev.  L.  T.  Christmas. 

It  was  by  motion  agreed  that  after  the  sermon  to-night 
by  Rev.  H.  M.  Tupper,  the  following  be  discussed  :  "  How 
can  we  collect  more  missionary  money?  " 

Rev.  H.  H.  Falkener  moved  that  a  special  collection  be 
taken  to-night  for  Dallas  Academy.  (See  resolution  No.  3). 
Adopted. 

Rev.  T.  B.  Edwards  offered  the  following  motion,  to-wit  : 


9 


Resolved,  That  all  ministers  of  this  Union  friendly  to  education  be  requested 
to  take,  a  collection  in  their  respective  churches  to  Aid  Dallas  Academy. 

Adopted. 

The  committee  on  Nomination  of  Officers  reported. 
(See  p.  2.)    Report  received. 

Received  during  meeting,  §13.25. 
Adjourned  with  benediction. 

Night  Session. 

Services  began  promptly  at  8  p.  m.  Rev.  L.  T.  Christ- 
mas read  hymn,  "  Come  Holy  Spirit,  heavenly  dove,"  also 
a  portion  of  the  9th  chapter  of  II  Cor.,  and  offered  prayer. 
"  There  is  a  Fountain  filled  with  blood,"  was  voluntarily 
sung  by  the  audience.  Rev.  H.  M.  Tupper  spoke  from  the 
text,  "God  loveth  a  cheerful  giver."  He  exalted  the  grace 
of  giving  and  stated  that  benevolence  and  liberality  were 
evidences  of  genuine  conversion.  He  condemned  the 
minister  who  preaches  for  no  compensation  and  said  that 
the  Scriptures  declare  that  "  the  laborer  is  worthy  of  his  hire." 

After  the  sermon,  Rev.  E.  H.  Lipscombe  presented  forci- 
bly the  needs  of  Dallas  Academy,  and  the  necessity  of  hav- 
ing a  denominational  school  in  that  part  of  the  State.  A 
collection  was  then  taken  for  said  school  amounting  to 
$12.00. 

Rev.  C.  S.  Brown  moved  ttiat  a  committee  on  Time  and 
Place  of  next  meeting  be  appointed.  Adopted. 

Committee.— Revs.  T.  B.  Edwards,  A.  N.  Buck,  O. 
Bullock. 

It  being  late,  other  business  was  deferred  Doxology  was 
sung  and  the  meeting  adjourned  to  re-assemble  at  9  o'clock 
the  following  day. 


THIRD  DAY— Morning  Session. 

The  Union  assembled  promptly.  The  President,  Rev. 
A.  Shepard,  presiding.  Rev.  James  H.  Carey  conducted 
devotional  exercises.  Hymn,  "  O  for  a  closer  walk  with 
God,"  was  sung;  6th  chapter  of  Matt,  read,  and  prayer 
offered.  Minutes  of  the  previous  day  were  approved. 
Committee  on  Time  and  Place  of  next  meeting  reported  : 


10 

We,  your  committee,  desire  to  present  the  following  report  : 
Resolved,  That  next  meeting  of  this  Union  be  held  in  the  City  of  Raleigh, 
one  day  prior  to  the  convening  of  the  Baptist  State  Convention. 
Fraternally  yours, 

T.  B.  Edwards, 
A.  N.  Buck, 
O.  Bullock, 

Committee. 

The  report  was  amended  by  striking  out  "  Raleigh  "  and 
inserting  "  Henderson,"  and  "  one  day  prior,"  &c,  and 
inserting  "  Second  Friday  in  April,  1886." 

Resolutions  Nos.  4,  5,  6,  7,  8,  9,  10,  12,  13,  14  were  read 
and  adopted.    Resolution  No.  11  was  rejected. 

The  Executive  Cotniriittee  was  elected.  The  following 
were  chosen  to  compose  said  committee:  Revs.  R.  L  Wal- 
den,  C.  S.  Brown,  S.  Fulwider,  J.  A.  Fuller,  T.  B.  Edwards, 
P.  F.  Maloy,  Caesar  Johnson. 

A  committee  of  three  was  appointed  on  By-Laws  for  the 
government  of  the  Executive  Committee. 

Committee. —  C.  S.  Brown,  S.  G.  Newsome,  Jas.  M. 
Young. 

All  visiting  brethren,  who  were  not  ministers,  were,  by 
motion,  made  honorary  members  of  the  Union. 

Rev:  H.  M.  Tupper  moved  that  the  Union  furnish  each 
member  with  a  printed  card,  signed  by  both  President  and 
Secretary,  certifying  that  said  person  is  a  member  of  this 
fraternity.    Motion  adopted. 

Five  dollars  was  paid  out  of  the  treasury  for  fuel  and  to 
sexton. 

A  vote  of  thanks  was  tendered  the  officers  for  the  faith- 
ful discharge  of  their  duties. 

Letters  of  enouragement  were  received  by  the  Secretary 
from  Prof.  E.  E.  Smith,  Principal  of  the  State  Normal 
School,  Fayetteville,  Rev.  Thos.  Collins  and  W.  R.  Mason. 
Each  brother  expressed  his  endorsement  of  the  movement 
and  regretted  to  be  absent.  Brother  Smith  sent  one  dollar 
to  aid  the  work. 

The  business  of  the  Union  having  been  completed,  the 
meeting  adjourned  to  assemble  in  the  town  of  Henderson, 
N.  C,  on  Friday  before  the  second  Sunday  in  April,  1886. 

A.  Shepard,  President. 

C.  S.  BROWN,  Secretary. 


RESOLUTIONS. 


RESOLUTION  NO.  1. 

Whereas,  It  is  evident  that  there  is  a  great  need  of  union,  based 
upon  Gospel  principles,  among  the  Baptist  ministers  of  the  State; 
and,  whereas,  without  union  among  ministers,  there  can  be  no  union 
in  the  churches,  and  without  union  among  ministers  and  the 
churches,  the  cause  of  Christ  cannot  be  promoted  successfully.  And 
inasmuch  as  it  is  clearly  taught  in  the  Scriptures  that,  "In  union 
there  is  strength,"  and  that  it  is  good  and  pleasant  for  brethren  to 
dwell  together  in  unity,  therefore,  we,  the  ministers  of  this  meeting, 
moved  with  a  desire  to  so  unite  the  strength  of  the  Baptists  of 
North  Carolina,  that  more  efficient  work  can  be  accomplished  and 
also  to  sustain  the  Sacred  dignity  of  the  church  and  those  laboring 
in  the  Master's  vineyard,  do  hereby  mutually  covenant  to  devise 
and  adopt  such  plans  that  will,  by  God's  help,  secure  the  desired 
end. 

R.  I.  Walden, 


RESOLUTION  NO.  2. 

Guided,  as  we  trust,  by  the  Scriptures  and  Holy  Spirit,  to  unite 
ourselves  into  a  Ministerial  Union,  for  the  purpose  of  protecting  the 
church  and  pulpit  from  wicked  encroachments,  and  to  help  and  aid 
superannuated  ministers,  be  it 

Resolved,  That  we  enter  at  once  into  an  organization  of  such  a 
compact. 

R.  I.  Walden. 


RESOLUTION  NO.  3. 

Whereas,  We  believe  that  to  increase  our  denomination  and  to 
advance  the  cause  of  Christ,  we  must  encourage  and  perpetuate 
education;  therefore  be  it 

Resolved,  That  we,  the  members  of  this  Conference,  do  heartily 
encourage  Rev.  E.  H.  Lipscombe  in  his  undertaking  to  establish  the 
Dallas  Academy. 

H.  H.  Falkener. 


1  2 


RESOLUTION  NO.  4. 

Resolved.  That  the  Recording  Secretary,  Corresponding  Secretary 
and  Auditor  of  this  Union  constitute  a  committee  on  printing  the 
minutes  of  this  meeting,  and  that  said  committee  have  the  minutes 
printed  upon  the  cheapest  plan,  in  pamphlet  form  or  in  newspaper 
as  they  may  deem  best 4f or  the  Union. 

J  as.  M.  Young. 


RESOLUTION  NO.  5. 

Whereas,  There  may  be  matters  demanding  the  attention  of  this 
Union  between  the  annual  meetings;  and  whereas,  it  is  the  purpose 
of  the  Union  to  effect  good  at  all  times,  therefore  be  it 

Resolved,  That  there  be  an  Executive  Committee  of  seven  mem- 
bers appointed  to  carry  oui>  the  plans  adopted  at  this  meeting. 

J.  M.  Young. 


resolution  no.  6. 

Whereas,  There  is  a  great  need  of  an  asylum  for  the  colored 
orphan  children  of  the  State;  and,  whereas,  certain  brethren  are 
laboring  to  establish  such  an  asylum,  where  the  orphan  can  be  re- 
ceived and  cared  for;  and,  whereas,  Rev.  J.  Perry  has  been  ap- 
pointed by  the  board  of  managers  to  travel  in  the  interest  of  said 
asylum;  therefore 

Resolved,  That  we,  the  ministers  of  this  meeting,  endorse  the 
movement  and  do  what  we  can  to  aid  Rev.  Perry  in  his  effort. 

J.  M.  Young. 


RESOLUTION  NO.  7. 

Whereas,  It  is  the  object  of  this  Union  to  foster  harmony  among 
the  ministers  of  the  State  and  thus  advance  the  Redeemer's  king- 
dom ;  be  it 

Resolved,  That  ministers  desiring  to  unite  with  the  Union  can  do 
so  at  any  time  by  sending  in  their  application  to  the  Secretary,  ac- 
companied with  one  dollar,  and  if  said  application  is  endorsed  by 
Executive  Committee,  the  name  shall  be  enrolled  and  a  certificate 
of  membership  shall  be  sent  to  each  person. 

If  rejected  for  any  reason,  the  application  and  money  shall  be 
forthwith  refunded. 

C.  S.  Brown. 


13 


RESOLUTION  NO.  8. 

Inasmuch  as  we  desire  to  raise  a  fund  for  the  aid  of  the  super- 
annuated and  infirm  ministers  of  our  Union,  be  it 

Resolved,  That  each  member  of  this  Union  be  assessed  one  dollar 
per  annum  to  be  paid  during  the  annual  meeting  of  said  Union,  and 
those  who  cannot  possibly  be  present,  shall  send  said  amount  to 
Secretary  of  the  Union. 

C.  S.  Brown. 


RESOLUTION  NO.  9. 

Whereas,  A  good  religious  paper  is  so  essential  to  the  enlighten- 
ment of  every  Christian  organization  and  its  object  can  be  more 
fully  augmented  and  promoted,  therefore  be  it 

Resolved,  That  the  Light  House,  African  Expositor,  Standard  and 
Advocate  be  adopted  as  organs  of  this  Union. 

J.  B.  Vincent. 


RESOLUTION  NO.  10. 

Whereas,  Rev.  James  H.  Carey  desires  to  spend  the  remainder 
of  his  life  as  an  evangelist;  and,  whereas,  the  labors  of  such  a  life 
will  assist  us  in  effecting  the  union  so  much  needed  and  desired 
among  us  as  Missionary  Baptists  in  this  and  other  States,  be  it 

Resolved,  That  he  be  hereafter  known  and  acknowledged  as  an 
evangelist  sent  by  this  minister's  Union,  and  that  we  ever  pray  the 
Great  Head  of  the  church  to  crown  his  labors  with  abundant 
success. 

Resolved  farther,  That  in  addition  to  religious  services,  we  will 
expect  Rev.  Jas.  H.  Carey  to  use  his  influence  in  interest  of  the 
plans  devised  by  this  minister's  Union  from  time  to  time  and  to 
serve  as  agent  for  institutions  of  learning  already  established  and 
■for  those  anticipated. 

A.  B.  Vincent. 


RESOLUTION  NO.  11. 

Whereas,  There  seems  to  be  some  misunderstanding  in  regard 
to  our  missionary,  Bro.  J.  O.  Hayes,  who  is  now  in  Africa,  be  it 

Resolved,  That  a  committee  of  three  be  appointed  to  investigate 
the  case  of  Bro.  Hayes  and  come  to  some  conclusion  as  to  what  we 
should  do  for  him,  and  that  said  committee  report  at  the  next  sitting 
of  this  body. 

H.  H.  Falkener. 


14 


RESOLUTION  NO.  12. 

Whereas,  The  people  of  Goldsboro  and  the  vicinity  have  been 
so  kind  in  providing  for  us  while  being  here,  therefore,  be  it 

Resolved,  That  a  vote  of  thanks  be  tendered  by  this  Union  to  them 
for  their  hospitality. 

A.  B.  Vincent. 


RESOLUTION  NO.  13. 

Inasmuch  as  a  hospital  has  been  established  at  Raleigh,  in  con- 
nection with  the  Leonard  Medical  School,  through  the  kindness  of 
Northern  and  Southern  friends,  for  the  sick  and  unfortunate  of  our 
race,  we  hereby,  as  a  Ministerial  Union,  recognize  the  need  of  such 
a  hospital  and  commend  its  humane  object  to  the  afflicted  of  our 
churches  and  congregations. 

M.  T.  Pope. 


RESOLUTION  NO.  14. 

Whereas,  Shaw  University  has  been  and  now  is  the  great  head 
of  knowledge  for  this  State  and  the  South;  and,  whereas,  Dallas 
Academy  and  Garysburg  School  are  feeding  schools  for  this  grand 
institution, 

Resolved,  That  this  Union  acknowledge  these  institutions  and  en- 
courage the  young  to  go  to  them. 

J.  M.  Young. 


GENERAL  NOTICE. 


All  Baptist  ministers  of  North  Carolina  desiring  to  unite  with  the 
Union  are  requested  to  send  their  application,  accompanied  with 
the  entrance  fee,  one  dollar,  to  Rev.  C.  S.  Brown,  Drawer  8, 
Raleigh,  N.  C. 

Every  minister  should  connect  himself  with  the  Union. 


ANNUAL  FEE  PAID. 


S.  M.  Jones..        $  I  oo 

H.,  M.  Tupper       i  oo 

Chas.  Smith    1    I  oo 

T.  Parker        I  oo 

B.  K.  Sykes     _   i  oo 

E.  B.  Blake     50 

O.  B.  Alston       1  00 

 Sills    1  00 

B.  Gardener.        25 

H.  L.  Barco     I  00 

C.  S.Brown  ._     1  00 

N.  F.  Roberts        1  00 

O.  Bullock        1  00 

Wm.  Reid   <.     I  00 

A.  Cooper        I  00 

R.  I.  Walden     1  00 

W.  H.  Shaw      1  00 

J.  A.  Fuller   _      1  00 

A.  B.  Vincent..        1  00 

L.  T.  Christmas        I  00 

J.  H.  Dunston        1  00 

A.  Boone       I  00 

E.  E.  Smith       1  00 

Wm.  Bunting       I  00 

J.  F.  Hill      1  00 


SPECIAL  NOTICE. 


All  brethren  who  failed  to  pay  the  one  dollar  assessment  at  Golds- 
boro,  are  earnestly  requested  tc  forward  the  same  at  once  to  the 
Secretary,  Rev.  C.  S.  Brown,  Drawer  8,  Raleigh,  N.  C. 


CONSTITUTION. 


Article  1.  This  organization  shall  be  known  as  The  Baptist 
Ministerial  Union  of  North  Carolina. 

Art.  2.  The  object  of  this  Union  shall  be  to  unite,  protect  and 
encourage  all  worthy  ministers,  to  promote  harmony  in  the 
churches,  and,  in  every  possible  way,  to  further  the  Master's 
kingdom. 

Art.  3.  Its  officers  shall  be  a  President,  a  Vice-President  from 
each  Association  in  harmony  with  the  Union,  a  Recording  and  a 
Corresponding  Secretary,  a  Treasurer,  an  Auditor  and  as  many 
Boards  as  may  be  necessary. 

Art.  4.  The  officers  of  the  Union  shall  perform  all  the  duties  usu- 
ally discharged  by  officers  holding  similar  positions,  or  such  duties 
as  may  be  assigned  them  by  the  Union. 

Art  5.  The  election  of  officers  shall  take  place  annually  immedi- 
ately after  the  opening  of  the  session.  Officers  shall  be  chosen  from 
the  members  of  the  Union  and  shall  be  elected  by  plurality.  The 
President  shall  not  be  elected  more  than  one  term  during  the  lapse 
of  five  years. 

Art.  6.  Any  minister  of  good  repute,  who  is  blameless  and  who 
possesses  the  other  qualifications  of  a  minister  as  laid  down  in  the 
Bible  (I  Tim.,  3:  1 — 7)  may  become  a  member  of  this  Union  upon 
subscribing  to  this  Constitution  and  the  payment  of  one  dollar. 

Art.  7.  This  Union  shall  provide  to  the  extent  of  its  ability  for 
the  disabled  and  superannuated  ministers  who  have  been  faithful  in 
the  Master's  cause. 

Art.  8.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Union  to  guard  the  good  name 
of  its  members  and  recommend  ministers  to  churches  and  needy 
fields. 

•  Art.  9.  The  members  of  this  organization  shall  not  participate  in 
the  ordination  of  any  incompetent  applicant  for  the  ministry. 

Art.  10.  Any  resolution  may  be  adopted  from  time  to  time  by  a 
majority  vote  for  the  furtherance  of  the  cause  of  this  Union,  pro- 
vided it  does  not  conflict  with  this  Constitution. 

Art.  11.  This  Constitution  may  be  amended  at  any  annual  meet- 
ing of  the  Union  by  a  two-thirds  vote. 

ART.  12.  The  meetings  of  this  Union  shall  be  governed  according 
to  the  rules  laid  down  in  Pendlenton's  and  Hiscox's  Manual. 


RULES  OF  DECORUM. 

1.  The  President  shall  take  the  chair  each  session  at  the  hour  ap- 
pointed at  the  adjournment,  and  call  the  members  to  order,  and,  on 
the  appearance  of  a  quorum,  cause  the  minutes  of  the  preceding 
session  to  be  read. 


2.  He  shall  preserve  order  and  shall  decide  questions  of  order, 
subject  to  an  appeal  to  the  Union  by  any  member. 

3.  He  shall  rise  to  put  a  question,  but  may  state  it  sitting.  He 
shall  have  the  right  to  call  any  brother  to  perform  the  duties  tem- 
porarily. 

4.  The  President  shall  not  vote  only  in  case  of  a  tie.  And  if  he 
refuse  to  vote  in  a  tie,  the  matter  is  decided  in  the  negative. 

5.  He  shall  not  speak  in  debate  while  occupying  the  chair;  but 
may  call  another  to  the  chair,  and  he  shall  have  the  same  right  in 
debate  as  any  other  member. 

6.  When  any  member  wishes  to  speak  or  deliver  any  matter  to 
the  Union,  he  shall  first  rise  from  his  seat  and  address  the  chair. 

7.  When  two  brothers  rise  at  the  same  time,  the  President  shall 
name  the  one  to  speak. 

8.  No  member  shall  speak  but  twice  on  the  same  question  until 
all  who  wish  to  speak  have  spoken. 

9.  Decency  of  speech  shall  be  observed  and  personal  reflections 
avoided. 

10.  While  the  chair  is  putting  a  question,  or  any  brother  speak- 
ing, no  one  shall  be  allowed  to  walk  across  the  house,  or  whisper, 
or  otherwise  interrupt  him. 

11.  When  a  question  is  under  debate,  no  motion  shall  be  received 
except  to  adjourn,  to  lay  on  the  table,  postpone  or  amend. 

12.  All  committees  shall  be  appointed  in  time  to  do  their  duty. 

13.  All  committees  shall  be  composed  of  three  members,  if  not 
otherwise  ordered. 

14.  No  standing  rule  shall  be  altered  or  suspended  except  by  a 
two  thirds  vote  of  the  Union. 

15.  The  Rules  of  Decorum  shall  be  read  in  the  opening  of  each 
annual  session  of  the  Union,  and  as  many  times  during  the  session 
as  may  be  deemed  practicable. 

16.  No  member  shall  be  allowed  to  intrude  on  the  time  by  long 
debate  in  this  Union. 


BY-LAWS  FOR  THE  GOVERNMENT  OF  THE  EX- 
ECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 

1.  At  the  first  meeting,  a  Chairman  and  a  Secretary  shall  be 
chosen  from  their  own  number. 

2.  A  quorum  for  the  transaction  of  business  shall  consist  of  five 
members  of  the  Committee. 

3.  Meetings  shall  be  held  as  often  as  the  business  of  the  Union 
shall  require. 

4.  Any  Baptist  minister  of  good  report,  in  good  and  regular 
standing,  may  become  a  member  of  the  Union  by  a  unanimous  vote 
of  the  Executive  Committee  upon  the  payment  of  the  annual  fee  of 
one  dollar.  If  refused,  his  reception  can  be  referred  to  the  annual 
meeting  of  the  Union. 


i8 


5.  All  moneys,  from  whatever  sources  received,  shall  be  turned 
over  to  the  Treasurer  of  the  Union  at  each  meeting  of  the  Executive 
Committee,  by  the  Secretary,  with  a  full  memorandum  of  the 
same. 

6.  Ministers  of  the  Union  rendered  infirm  by  age  or  severe  sick- 
ness and  in  destitute  circumstances,  will  receive  aid  from  time  to 
time,  according  as  the  Committee  may  have  funds  at  their  disposal, 
not  exceeding  one  dollar  per  week. 

7.  At  the  close  of  each  year,  the  Treasurer's  account  shall  be 
audited  by  the  Committee  and  an  itemized  Treasurer's  report  made 
out  and  read  at  the  annual  meeting  of  the  Ministerial  Union. 

8.  Funds  shall  be  drawn  from  the  Treasury  only  by  an  order 
signed  by  the  Chairman  of  the  Executive  Committee  and  counter- 
signed by  the  President  of  the  Ministerial  Union,  and  said  requisi- 
tion must  have  been  previously  voted  by  the  Executive  Committee. 

9.  In  all  business  transactions  of  the  Executive  Committee, 
special  attention  shall  be  given  to  maintain  the  dignity  and  reputa- 
tion of  the  Union  and  render  it  of  the  highest  service  to  the  churches 
and  the  cause  of  the  Redeemer. 


Date  Due 







Form  335.    45M  8-37. 

N.C.   204    Z99     1860-99    v.  1 

no. 1-16  P61611 


